DivePlnr
    Helsdon Reef dive site
    reef
    Great Barrier Reef, Australia
    Starcke River (Ngulun)

    Helsdon Reef

    Best months: Feb–Mar

    Protected Area

    Starcke River (Ngulun)

    Why dive here

    With 154+ marine species recorded in the area - including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, tiger sharks and napoleon wrasse - Helsdon Reef offers some of Great Barrier Reef's richest reef diving. Water ranges 24-30°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeFeb–Mar
    WetsuitNo wetsuit needed, or a rash guard
    Marine lifeHammerhead Sharks, Sea Turtles, Tiger Sharks and Napoleon Wrasse · 154+ species recorded
    Water24-30°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Helsdon Reef offers a solid Great Barrier Reef experience, with a good mix of hard and soft corals. You’ll typically find plenty of reef fish flitting between the bommies, and we’ve often spotted white-tip reef sharks cruising the edges. It’s a reliable spot for divers looking for a classic GBR dive without extreme depths or currents.

    Safety Notes

    Strong currents typical this month (avg 30 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.

    Today05:5518:1612h 22m daylightGolden hour 17:48

    Nearest Dive Centres to Helsdon Reef

    Dive shops near Helsdon Reef

    Lizard Island Lodge

    30km away
    Web
    Phone
    Courses
    View all dive centres in Great Barrier Reef

    Reviews for Helsdon Reef

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Helsdon Reef

    Helsdon Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Helsdon Reef, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-15.65, 145.72) (5km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    26°C

    80°F · Range: 24.5–29°C

    Current Speed

    30.07 cm/s

    Direction: S (183.8°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.057 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    35.08 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

    Check travel advisory for Australia

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Great Barrier Reef, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Great Barrier Reef

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Great Barrier Reef.

    Search stays in Great Barrier Reef

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Helsdon Reef

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Great Barrier Reef